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Old 03-04-2008, 10:51 AM   #1
DDuff
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Universal Express On Site Hotel

Quick Question about Universal Express for those staying at one of the US hotels. My family will be staying at the Hard Rock in April. Does anyone know when you can get your express pass? We will be coming over from Disney on Thursday and I am wondering should I count on the pass for all of Thursday or just after the Universal official check-in time?
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Old 03-04-2008, 11:32 AM   #2
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I would guess they would give you your room card when you check-in, whether your room is available or not. That's what you use for the Universal Express lines. When you are done at the park and go back to your resort, they should be able to tell you your room number.
I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to use the express pass prior to check-in time, as you can use the Express pass until the end of your check-out day.
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Old 03-04-2008, 12:53 PM   #3
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Thanks! I hope that is the case because our flight out is early morning so we really won't be able to utilize the pass on that day.
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Old 03-04-2008, 02:05 PM   #4
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That's the way it went down when we stayed at the Hard Rock. Our room wasn't ready when we got there, so they just gave us our room keys and we headed off to the parks and Express Pass'd away! When we came back later in the afternoon, I think we stopped at the desk and they activated the keys for our room.
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Old 03-04-2008, 05:30 PM   #5
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We stayed at Hard Rock last May, and that was our experience. Our room was not ready when we arrived, we were given our room key cards and went to IOA. My wife stayed at the hotel to relax after the drive. She called us with our room number when it was ready. and the girls used express pass from the moment we entered the park.
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Old 03-05-2008, 05:38 AM   #6
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Your room is good all day the day you check in, and usually until 3pm on the day you check out, although I've read of cases where people used their cards all day of checkout day. We always arrive at the hotel before the parks open so we can get out rooms keys and head to the parks.
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Old 03-05-2008, 01:29 PM   #7
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Thanks - This will really help with planning.
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Old 03-05-2008, 05:59 PM   #8
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From what I've heard, the room key is good from 7 am on your check-in day to midnight of your check-out day.

Make sure you flash your room key at the Universal Express entrance. If you flash anything else, you might get arrested.
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Old 03-06-2008, 11:15 AM   #9
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Barry - Thanks for making me laugh this morning. Since I'm celebrating my 40th birthday while there, I'm sure all will be grateful if restrain myself from unnecessary flashing.
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Old 03-06-2008, 11:52 AM   #10
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It's a great way to see both parks. It's good from the moment you check until the parks close the day you check out
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Old 03-07-2008, 02:25 PM   #11
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Barry - Thanks for making me laugh this morning. Since I'm celebrating my 40th birthday while there, I'm sure all will be grateful if restrain myself from unnecessary flashing.
Well, the alt rocker Liz Phair is 40 and she's pretty hot. If you are pretty hot, then you have my permission to flash, but only in private quarters.
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Old 03-08-2008, 10:30 AM   #12
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Barry: Now that the kids are older, DH and I may get some time alone this trip so I'll give it a try. It might be my DH favorite ride of the vacation
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My Countdown Counting down to: WDW 2013 Marathon
My Previous TripsPOP Century Jan 2013, Off-Site April 2010, Swan April 2008, Off-Site May 2007, DCL March 2005, PO May 2004, WL May 2002, Off-Site May 2000, Off-Site May 1999, Off-Site Sept. 1998, CBR April 1998, CBR Aug. 1996, Auntie Ruth's 1972
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Old 03-08-2008, 11:46 PM   #13
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Barry: Now that the kids are older, DH and I may get some time alone this trip so I'll give it a try. It might be my DH favorite ride of the vacation
I don't know if I want to see photos of that. You might want to keep those Kodak moment with your husband.
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